A year-long campaign on maternal and newborn health was kicked off on the occasion of World Health Day 2025.
» World Health Day (WHD) is celebrated every year on 7 April to mark the anniversary of the founding of the World Health Organization (WHO).
World Health Day 2025 Theme:
» The theme of World Health Day 2025 is “Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures”.
- This year, the theme launches a year-long campaign focused on maternal and newborn health, urging countries to end preventable deaths and prioritise women’s long-term well-being.
Significance:
World Health Day highlights pressing global health issues and mobilises action to improve public health outcomes. Launched in 1950 by the World Health Organization (WHO), the day unites governments, institutions and communities to address critical health priorities each year.
About WHO:
- The World Health Organization (WHO) was founded on 7 April 1948 and formally began its work on 1 September 1948.
- WHO is a specialized agency of the United Nations, headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland.
India’s Progress in Maternal and Child Health
Maternal Mortality:
- MMR (Maternal Mortality Ratio) in India dropped from 130 (2014-16) to 97 (2018-20) per 1,00,000 live births – a decline of 33 points.
- Over the last 30 years (1990–2020), MMR declined by 83% in India.
- Global comparison: Global MMR reduced by 42% in the same period.
Infant & Child Mortality:
- IMR (Infant Mortality Rate) dropped from 39 (2014) to 28 (2020) per 1,000 live births.
- NMR (Neonatal Mortality Rate) reduced from 26 (2014) to 20 (2020) per 1,000 live births.
- U5MR(Under-5 Mortality Rate) declined from 45 (2014) to 32 (2020) per 1,000 live births.
| Indicators | India Reduction (%) | Global Reduction (%) |
| Maternal Mortality Ratio (MMR) | 83% | 42% |
| Neonatal Mortality Rate (NMR) | 65% | 51% |
| Infant Mortality Rate (IMR) | 69% | 55% |
| Under-5 Mortality Rate (U5MR) | 75% | 58% |